Pack your diaries with fun with our half term guide to activities in the country & in town
Half Term 2022: What To Do With The Kids
Half term is just around the corner: from Friday 27th May to Sunday 5th June. It’s always rather savvy having a few fun activities marked in the calendar for this weekend and the week proceeding, so you’re not looking at endless days that blend into each other. Here’s the C&TH edit.
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Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at aqua shard
Transport yourself to Neverland this half term via aqua shard’s child-friendly afternoon tea, inspired by J.M Barrie’s legendary novel. Think Tinker Bell-shaped cookies and crocodile jellies served on a pirate ship-inspired tea stand, alongside Fairy Dust cocktails – all enjoyed alongside panoramic city views. And, for each tea sold, £2 will be donated to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Served Thursday – Sunday from 12.15 – 4.15pm, from £52pp. A children’s version will also be served. aquashard.co.uk
Gravity Wandsworth
Children will easily be entertained for a whole day at this family-friendly attraction site in Wandsworth. Set over three floors, the venue uses the latest technology to create numerous exciting game zones – from electric go-karting to a 14-lane bowling alley with augmented reality.
HOW? Book at gravity-uk.com
Sportfish Game Fishing Centre
Fancy some fishing? Sportfish are offering courses throughout half term for parents and children alike who are interested in angling. Visitors can expect a delightful day filled with fishing and education around it, while surrounded by 45 acres of Berkshire countryside.
Stourhead House
This National Trust estate is perfect for all ages. From pram friendly (just avoid the grotto) to satisfying under 10s to teens, a walk around the utterly stunning landscape is the perfect afternoon pursuit to see the shoots of spring come through. Bring a picnic, or have lunch at The Spread Eagle (a really gorgeous historic pub within the estate). There’s the obvious benefit of walking around within nature, but there’s plenty of art history to soak up too. Marvel at the Temple of Apollo, the house itself, and learn all about the intriguing Hoare family who lived here.
HOW? No need to book in advance, nationaltrust.org
Holkham Hall
Another architectural marvel is the historic estate: Holkham Hall, and boy are they pulling out all the stops to entertain this year. Kids can get creative with some crafting in the Ed Shed, show off their skills in a penalty shootout, partake in a caving experience, release some energy in the obstacle course and ropes course, or hire a bike and explore the wider estate.
HOW? Book online here
Telling Tales
Shakespeare’s Globe is running a special storytelling workshop this half term. Attendees can enjoy live storytelling performances of two of his most famous play, Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.
HOW? Book at shakespearesglobe.com
Visit The Story Museum
The Story Museum in Oxford makes a lovely trip for the family, with plenty of activities for a range of ages. The Story Explorers invites children aged eight to twelve to travel around the world in stories through their day-long courses on Tuesday 31 May and Wednesday 1 June. Young children aged 0-5, meanwhile, will love the Small Worlds play space. The museum is open every day apart from 28th-30th May.
HOW? storymuseum.org.uk
Check out Port Lympne, Kent
A must-visit for animal-lovers; this Kent-based conservation charity is not your average UK wildlife experience. Whether you opt for a day visit or a short stay, you’ll come face to face with big cats, gorillas, giraffes and many more. If you really want to push the boat out, (and blow their minds in the process) book in for a stay at Tiger Lodge, where tigers play right outside your (very sturdy) windows.
Forest Nets at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
If you want to drag the kids away from their screens and get them playing outside this half term, take a day trip to the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales and check out the Forest Nets, where kids can clamber through the trees bouncing on suspended nets. It is absolutely as fun as it sounds, for the young and young-at-heart alike.
HOW? celtic-manor.com
See Baby Animals At Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth’s Thrigby Hall Wildlife Centre is the place to be if you want to enjoy some cuteness this half term.
HOW? Prices from £15.50 adults; £11.50 children and under fours are free. For more information visit: thrigbyhall.com
Image: Tom Jones Photography
Go for a Family-Friendly Walk in Cornwall
Exploring the rugged Cornish coastline is best done away from the crowds, so autumn is the perfect time to travel south west. Make St Mawes your base and try a family-friendly walk on the Roseland Peninsula, suitable for all abilities. See our guide here.
Main image: Goodwich Castle
READ MORE:
A Guide to Camping With Kids / Audiobooks To Keep The Kids Quiet / Best Children’s Afternoon Teas in London
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